Monday, 14 December 2015

The last trip’s wows

Contrary to what you may think, my last trip was not particularly
amongst the best of my life. I am happy, though, that I returned home richer
(met a few wonderful people, mostly travellers, and gained some precious
travelling experience) and wiser. There were, however, some moments that took
my breath away and I’d like to write a few lines on them.

Seeing ibexes in southern Israel

Do you know that the official mascot of all national parks in Israel is
an ibex? I’ve wished so much to get to see them, I’ve heard that they could
also be found in Jordan’s desert area, but my lucky time was around 6:30am,
some few kilometres north of Eilat, when these two wonders in the picture
crossed the main road. The next thing I know, I had tears of joy running down
my face.

Snorkelling, @Coral Beach Reserve (Eilat, Israel)

My first dive in Cyprus in 2012 has been my best dive for three years,
with the light, the magic of the underwater world, and my first octopus still
weighing heavily in my heart. But the Red Sea is something else, it’s a
gigantesque-size aquarium with coral that opens up like a labyrinth, rendering
images that you’re not likely to forget soon. What about fish? Well, not one!
Tens of them, in all colours and sizes imaginable, some of the more courageous
ones eating straight off your hand.

Perfect orange sunset in northern Jordan

Crossing the border back into Jordan from the north gave me the chance to
be introduced to this less explored part of the country, which is indeed
stunning and wild. Packed in orange clouds and under an incredible light, it
was truly unforgettable.

Landscape around Shoubak Castle, Jordan

When I saw the ecruesque shapes,
rounded and callow –my weakness!- before the impressive medieval castle, perched
on a majestic cliff, I was hooked.

Horseback riding in northern Israel

From a person who’s at least tried to ride horses all over the world,
because well, she loves them a lot, riding in Israel came as a surprise. A very
pleasant one! The rocky and winding landscape, the view over the Sea of
Galilee, and the very well-cared for and trained animals gave off a good and
happy vibe.

Wadi Rum is indeed something! However, my most memorable moments were
rolling in a jeep at very high speed (on a ride that should’ve taken 30
minutes, but instead took 10, go figure), indulging in the first signs of a
very red sunset.

Of course, there would be Amman and Eilat to be added, as wow-cities [I
still can’t decide which is my favourite of the 2], my first kunafeh in Jordan as one of my all-time
favourite sweets, and all the vegan and vegetarian dishes I’ve tried out in
Israel.

It does seem that even the least successful travels do tend to have some
pretty surprising highs, huh?